Corvettes of Bakersfield, Inc.
General Meeting
8/14/2018 at Three Way Chevrolet
6:38 P.M. Meeting called to order
37 members in attendance.
Flag Salute led by Danny Ellison, Sergeant At Arms
Minutes – Larry Young motioned to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting. Denise Hollister made a second. Motion passed.
Guests – there were three potential new members in attendance, Mark and Cynthia Newton and Ron Burrow. Zelma Frankhouser and her husband were also in attendance.
Old Business – President Bob Vella invited Zelma Frankhouser to the meeting to update the membership on the progress of our tax status modification. Several members had questions regarding the non-profit status/update. Currently the club is a 501(c)7, the purpose of which is to have fun. There is no tax write off to those that want to make donations to us or for members that want to write off club-related expenses. We can do anything with our money that is club related.
Zelma is in the process of adding 501(c)3 to the club’s status. This will be an “arm” to our current status and will put us in full compliance with the IRS and the State of California. The 501(c)3 will allow us to make donations to others and be a tax deduction for others. We will open another bank account for the 501(c)3 as Corvettes of Bakersfield Charity and the 501(c)7 account will be known as Corvettes of Bakersfield, Inc.
Zelma is also applying for a raffle certification under our 501(c)7 status. This can only be done in August and is only good for one (1) year. Once we have the 501(c)3 status, we will add the raffle certification when we can.
Ultimately, we will be running both non-profits simultaneously, the current 501(c)7 will remain for member activities and the 501(c)3 will be our charitable “arm.”
New Business
- VP Report Larry shared a trivia game with the members: 25 Things Everyone Should Know About Corvettes.
- Sergeant At Arms Danny reminded everyone that when we have runs, everyone needs to sign in on the log sheet for insurance purposes. Danny also said that he is putting together some weekday lunch runs. Recently a couple members went to Stallion Springs for lunch and enjoyed the experience. More information to follow.
- Treasurer Report Carl advised the current funds total $26,088.88. Approximately $6,500 for events and $19,500 in the general fund. In August, a contribution was received from 3-Way Chevrolet. A question was asked about figures from the Gambler’s Classic. Carl advised approximately $3,500 was made.
- Membership Report Betsy advised that the membership deadline has passed. She also passed out new membership cards and decals. Make sure you sign in at each meeting.
- Public Relations Bob Vella advised that, with the help of Zelma, we have the opportunity/option of using grants to supplement our charity goals. Adrian reminded everyone about our Facebook page and that it displays a lot of fun about the club. Greg said the Pine Mountain Run was enjoyed by all that participated. A photo show of the day was shown.
- Wine Run Tony Ennis advised everything is in order. Reservations have been secured at Best Way Inn in Paso Robles for $140/night. Registration for the event is $55/person for three wineries. It is requested that everyone bring a raffle prize and lawn chair. If your registration is paid by 9/24/2018, you will be eligible for a drawing at each winery.
- October Charity Give-Away Bob Vella reminded members that we had voted last month for five charities to receive our annual donations. They were Valley Fever of Kern County, Bakersfield Homeless Shelter, BARC, Unity Thrift and Kern County Search and Rescue. Discussion followed that we might want to increase the number of charities to benefit from COB since our current funds would allow it. A request for other possible charities to be considered was made and the following were suggested: ALS Foundation, the new children wing at Memorial Hospital (Lauren Small Children’s Center), Alzheimer’s Association, Wounded Heroes, Cathey’s K-9 Rescue, Ronald McDonald House, Kern County Burn Survivor’s Trust, Bakersfield Firefighter’s Burn Foundation, Valley Burn Center, Marley’s Mutts, Arthritis Foundation, Valley Children’s Hospital and the 999 Foundation.
Tom Jones made a motion that we select ten (10) groups and pay $1,000 to each of them. Betsy Slauson seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Since we had already selected five last month, Bob said a vote will be cast next month, by those in attendance, for additional charitable groups. It was suggested that the vote be for three of the thirteen newly recommended groups. The top five to receive votes will be added to the previous five for the ten charities we will donate to in October.
Club Shirts Wall Street Imprintables on E. Brundage no longer has the previously used button-down shirts for our club logo. They are going to do a run on the polo shirt by the of the month. Contact them ASAP if you still want to purchase a shirt.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
